Committee clears bill allowing school resource officers to accept mandatory reports of child abuse

The committee voted to report House Bill 451 favorably after testimony from law enforcement representatives who said the current statutory framework created confusion about whether school resource officers (SROs) could receive mandatory reports of child abuse or neglect from school staff.

A representative of the Louisiana Sheriffs Association said present law prevented an SRO from receiving a mandatory report by a teacher or other staff member; the bill amends the reporting provisions to allow a school resource officer who is a post-certified peace officer to receive such a report and to route it to trained investigators rather than forcing the reporter to contact a separate law-enforcement agency.

Gary Bennett, assistant director of the Louisiana Sheriffs Association, testified in support and described SROs as "bona fide" peace officers who typically will not lead investigations but can take reports and hand them off to investigators. Captains from Gonzales and Bossier Parish described operational problems that resulted when SROs were barred from taking reports — including delays in getting information to detectives and the need to re-interview victims.

Committee members heard that the bill retains the core mandatory-reporting duties but clarifies an exception for reports that involve a school employee; the bill does not authorize SROs to investigate school employees themselves but allows them to receive and forward reports.

After testimony, the committee recorded no opposition and reported HB 451 favorable to the full House with committee amendments taken at the hearing.